Families in the U.S. celebrate their children’s and grandchildren’s high school graduations . However, for the young women who participate in Villa Esperanza’s program for at-risk girls, girls who come from poverty and abusive situations, high school graduation is an even more significant achievement.

Perla and Katherine were two of the first participants to come to Villa Esperanza when it opened in 2007. Through its provision of a loving and safe home, education, healthcare, encouragement, and exposure to the Gospel, Villa Esperanza has helped re-direct the lives of these girls.

Katherine and Perla are the first girls at the Villa to graduate from high school. They are now living in a transition home at the Villa, where they are taking on more responsibility to prepare for supporting themselves and living on their own. Perla is preparing to be a teacher and Katherine has just taken entrance exams to be admitted to a university. She hopes to study English and work as a translator. Another young girl at the Villa, Marta, has entered the teacher training program, while continuing her high school education. What a great example all three are providing for their younger “sisters” at Villa Esperanza – Congratulations Katherine and Perla! Read more about Villa Esperanza…

Six-year old Adriana came to the Matagalpa Re-Nutrition Center in April of 2013. Due to an intestinal disorder and her parents’ limited resources to help her, she weighed only 20 pounds when she entered the Center. She was anemic and unable to eat without severe pain. She could not even sit up by herself. Adriana was taken to a pediatric stomach specialist, where she was treated and put on a strict diet.

Adriana being carried by mission trip participant in April, 2013.

With many prayers and lots of loving care and good nutrition, little Adriana, now seven, has steadily improved.

She can eat anything now and has a very healthy appetite. The Center purchased a pig in the spring to be ready to eat at their Christmas celebration. In October, Adriana told Brenda, the Center Director, that she would not leave the Center until she ate the pig at Christmas! And she did exactly that. We are grateful to God and to the Matagalpa Re-Nutrition Center for the miraculous recovery Adriana has made.